[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and illumination.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to an illuminated panel,

[0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as an illuminated display for signage such as advisory or advertising signage

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to advertising however, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and can be used for other applications such as shelving, display of advisory information, warnings, or merely aesthetic images having little or no informative content.

BACKGROUND ART

[0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0006] Displays used for signs and advertising are well known and often incorporate illumination. Some displays of the prior art have included edge lighting of translucent plastics. In some a matrix of dots is used to fully and evenly illuminate the entire surface area of the plastic. For example it is known to utilise an acrylic panel imprinted with a graded matrix of ink dots on one or both faces. The dots of ink cause light introduced along an edge of the panel to be refracted and reflected over the prime surfaces of the panel. When the dots are carried on both faces, the light is more effectively reflected and refracted out of the core wave guide. In one embodiment of the prior art, a reflective film or sheet is placed on one face of the panel causing light to be reflected back through the panel so the majority of light leaves the panel only through one prime surface. The same process of controlled, even light release can be achieved by laser etching the surface of an acrylic panel,

[0007] One of the problems associated with panels of this type is their vulnerability to damage if they are not carefully handled. If the panel becomes scratched or subjected to moisture, light is released as bright spots thereby upsetting the even light distribution across the surface of the panel. International patent application PCT/AU2010/000339 addresses this problem by applying a protective layer to one or both prime surfaces to a transparent core, with a matrix of light releasing dots being an adhesive which bonds the surface and the protective layer. The panels can be illuminated by light emitting diodes (LEDs) located in the edge of the panels.

[0008] Other efforts have also been made to illuminate panels of this type. For example, US patent 201 1/0219648 relates to an illuminated sign, edge lit by LEDs. The sign has a reflective back plate mounted co-planar with a light panel and image-carrying sheet.

[0009] Japanese patent application 03165525 relates to a light emission display panel for decorative sign boards. The panel has a cutting sheet affixed to a transparent platelike panel main structure by a transparent adhesive. A translucent coating material is applied to the rear surface or front side of panel main structure. An outer periphery frame holds the edges of the panel main structure. An illumination board with several LEDs is located within the outer periphery frame.

[0010] Japanese patent application 2010276867 relates to a light emission display board for displaying advertisements. The board comprises a light guide plate having front and back mirrored surfaces. Light scattering surfaces are formed in the edges of the light guide plate. Frames and LED assemblies are positioned along the top and bottom edges of the light guide plate. [0011] However, one of the problems with illuminated display units of the prior art is that they are of fixed construction, acting as single display units with little or no flexibility for modifying or changing the display.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a robust illumination system.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display that can be readily changed or updated.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide increased latitude for modular, multi-panel display.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0016] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0017] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a modular lighting system comprising: an illumination panel, a panel retainer for removably retaining at least part of an edge of the illumination panel, and one or more illumination sources adapted to illuminate at least a portion of the illumination panel. [0018] The lighting system may be for any application that improves presentation. For example, the lighting system may be suitable for architectural applications or display applications.

[0019] Relevant architectural applications would include, for example, use in shelving so that items place on the shelving are more readily viewed or accentuated. Display applications would include for example, signage and advertising.

[0020] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a display system comprising: a replaceable illumination panel, a panel retainer for removably retaining at least part of an edge of the illumination panel, and one or more illumination sources adapted to illuminate at least a portion of the illumination panel.

[0021] Illumination Panel: The illumination panel of the present invention can be removed and replace by one or more alternative panels to form a modular system. The display system of the present invention includes at least one illumination panel per panel retainer. Alternatively, multiple illumination panels may be supported by a single panel retainer. Preferably, each illumination panel can be removed and inserted into the panel retainer, independently of any other illumination panels held by the panel retainer.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination panel can remain in place in the panel retainer without any additional structural support. For example, preferably the panel does not need a frame, or part frame around its other edges.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment the illumination panel comprises means for evenly illuminating the entire surface area of the panel. In a particularly preferred embodiment the entire surface of the illumination panel comprises a matrix of dots, or a thin film or other means to reflect or refract light from an edge of the panel across the entire surface area of the panel.

[0024] For example, the illumination panel may comprise at least one display surface in abutting parallel contact with a transparent core. Typically the illumination panel comprises a transparent structural core having two opposing surfaces, a matrix of light releasing and distributing dots substantially covering both said opposing surfaces, and a protective layer in abutting contact with at least one of said opposing surfaces whereby the dots are an adhesive for bonding the core to the protective layer and wherein the density and/or size of the dots increases across the panel in a direction away from a panel edge adjacent a light emitting element. Panels of this type are disclosed in International Patent Application PCT/AU2010/000339. In a preferred embodiment, both surfaces of the core are provided with a matrix of dots that are an adhesive to bond both surfaces to protective panels.

[0025] The matrix of dots may be applied to the transparent core by etching, painting, screen printing, printing or spraying or any one of a number of application techniques such as transfer from a film or even as part of a film or panel that then becomes the protective layer. Alternatively, the matrix or array of dots may be provided by laser etching the surface of the panel to define the matrix of dots while also bonding the protective layer to the core.

[0026] The illumination panel may include at least one, preferably two display surfaces. One or both display surfaces of the panel may bear wording and images. In a particularly preferred embodiment, one or both display surfaces of the panel can be used as a re-usable marker board, dry-erase board, dry-wipe board or pen-board for non- permanent marking. Thus, the display surface can be rapidly marked and the markings rapidly erased. This provides a user with enormous latitude to change or update displays in-house without the need to have a new panel made or printed by an external provider.

[0027] Preferably multiple illumination panels are combined to display a variety of images, patterns, motifs, words or themes that are illuminated when held or clamped in the panel retainer. This allows communication of a message or concept for marketing or information transfer.

[0028] Preferably, the core is acrylic and the protective panel may be any suitable material that will bond to the core via the medium of the dots. In one embodiment, a reflective protective panel is attached to one side of the core with a transparent or translucent light diffusing protective cover being bonded to the other side.

[0029] In a third aspect of embodiments described herein the display system comprises: an illumination panel, a panel retainer for removably retaining at least part of an edge of the illumination panel, and one or more illumination sources wherein the illumination panel comprises at least one display surface in abutting parallel contact with a transparent core and adhered by a matrix of dots.

[0030] The dots are typically etched or comprise a substance such as ink or glue which is applied as a liquid and solidifies to act as an adhesive between the transparent core and the protective panel. The dots can be of any size or shape and are, for example, square, round, linear, rectangular, triangular, doughnut, or any other shape, even an irregular shape. The dots may be clear, translucent or opaque and, more preferably, white. Preferably they increase in size or density in a direction away from an illumination source.

[0031] Illumination Source: Preferably the illumination sources are solid state devices which emit light from a piece of solid matter such as a semiconductor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illumination sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are tiny lights that fit easily into an electric circuit. LEDs have the advantage that they do not have a filament to burn out and they have an extremely long lifespan.

[0032] LEDs typically comprise a light emitting diode attached to two conductive pins, the diode being encased in clear material such as glass, or more commonly, plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illumination source of the present invention is derived from a flexible LED strip. LED strips are plastic strips, usually waterproof, in which LEDs and connecting wires are embedded. The strips can be cut to any convenient length. Solder points on the strips provide contact points for attachment of a plug-in DC adaptor or hard wired 12V transformer or driver. A dimmer or other device may be included in the circuit. When a current is passed across the diode of the LED it releases photons to illuminate the panel.

[0033] In the present invention one or more illumination sources may be incorporated into the panel retainer or into the panel by any convenient means. For example, in the case of a strip of LEDs, the strip may be retained within the panel retainer. In a particularly preferred embodiment a strip of LEDs is inserted in one end of the panel retainer and slid along its length.

[0034] The illumination sources may, for example, include any known light source or lighting system. This would include standard bulbs, neon lights, LEDs, white LEDs, coloured LEDs, flashing LEDs or any other illuminating devices that can create a visual effect involving the illumination panel.

[0035] In a fourth aspect of embodiments described herein the display system comprises: an illumination panel, a panel retainer for removably retaining at least part of an edge of the illumination panel, a first circuit comprising one or more illumination sources, and a second circuit providing power for one or more electrical devices chosen from the group comprising illumination sources, electronic control circuits,

electromechanical devices, audio devices or printed electronic devices.

[0036] Circuits: In a preferred embodiment, the first electrical circuit includes illumination sources that provide consistent illumination across the entire area of a panel.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment the second electrical circuit includes additional illumination sources such as coloured LEDs, or flashing light elements. In addition to the general illumination of the panels, the electrical circuits may include electronic elements that create various visual effects. The electronic elements may include, for example printed electronics incorporated into (or onto) the illumination panel or the panel retainer. These can be used to draw attention to the display, or highlight parts of the display.

[0038] If the panel retainer holds multiple illumination panels it may be necessary to blanket the spaces between panels or cover the spaces with a diffuser to provide general illumination.

[0039] Panel Retainer: The panel retainer acts as a holder or clamp for the illuminated panel. For example, when the present invention is used to display prices of goods for sale, the panel retainer holds the illuminated panel in the vicinity of the goods. If the goods are located on a shelf, the panel retainer may be incorporated into the shelving, or free-standing on the floor. If the goods are spread on a table, the panel retainer may also be placed on, or be suspended above, the table.

[0040] Typically an edge of the illumination panel is received in the panel retainer. It may be removably held in the panel retainer by any convenient retaining means such as a cotter pin, clip, screw or simple interference fit.

[0041] The part of the panel retainer that receives an edge of the illumination panel is typically elongate. For example, it may comprise an elongate extrusion of any convenient cross-sectional conformation such as U-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped or H- shaped cross section. [0042] The panel retainer may be linear in conformation, or it may be conformed with a number of horizontal and vertical sections to give height and/or width to the overall display. The panel retainer may also be conformed to hold an illumination panel at two or more edges,

[0043] In a preferred embodiment the first electrical circuit comprises at least one strip of LEDs, and the panel retainer is an extrusion shaped to retain at least one, or at least two strips of LEDs.

[0044] The panel retainer may additionally carry one or more power tracks to provide power to additional panels that contain their own solid state illumination sources or control circuits for lighting, audio or electromechanical devices. For example, the additional panels may have LEDs embedded in their edges, and may be able to operate independently or in conjunction with the illumination panels of the present invention. In another preferred embodiment the second electrical circuit comprises at least one power track associated with the panel retainer.

[0045] In a further aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a device for a display system according to the present invention, the device comprising; a panel retainer for removably retaining at least part of an edge of one or more illumination panels, wherein one or more illumination sources are located within the panel retainer.

[0046] For example, the panel retainer may comprise extruded polymer with LEDs embedded therein.

[0047] Preferably, in use, the panel retainer locates the illumination sources adjacent an edge of each illumination panel.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention the panel includes an illumination source external to the panel retainer, wherein the panel retainer acts to illuminate one or more panels. [0049] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of displaying illuminated panels comprising the step of removably inserting illumination panels in a panel retainer of the present invention.

[0050] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0051] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realisation that locating a principal and general illumination source in the panel retaining device instead of the illumination panel increased the range and scope of uses of the display system. A user can readily make panels of any convenient shape, bearing any desired information for short term or long term display.

[0052] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following:

• illumination panels held in the retainer system provides a substantially 'frameless' display that can be quickly and easily changed,

• different sizes of panels and one, two, or more panels may be used in a single retainer device,

• the display comprises individual elements that can be active or passive,

• the illumination panels can be readily swapped or changed, effectively providing a modular system,

• the illumination panels may comprise a writable surface that can be repeatedly marked and cleaned so that signage can be altered on-site and information can be changed quickly, and

• multiple panels, each comprising a link in a promotional message or theme can be combined. [0053] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a single sided illumination panel suitable for use in the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of a double sided illumination panel suitable for use in the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a display system of the present invention incorporating the illumination panel of Fig.1 or Fig.2;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the display system of the present invention;

Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of the lower edge of the display system of Figure 4a showing in detail how the illumination panel fits into the panel retainer;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower edge of a display according to the present invention which is capable of retaining two panels back to back; Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of two embodiments (Figs 6a and 6b) of the display according to the present invention comprising a panel retainer and five illumination panels;

Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of a display according to the present invention comprising a panel retainer and illumination panels displayed on multiple levels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figures 1 and 2 show illumination panels ( 0) of a type suitable for use in the present invention. Each illumination panel 10 comprises a core 11 of transparent acrylic which is typically between 6 and 10 mm in thickness. The core may include an optical brightener. The core 1 1 can have any surface sectional area and, although shown as planar in Figs 1 and 2, could be appropriately curved. The acrylic core 11 has opposed surfaces 12 and 13, each of which is covered by a matrix of opaque, translucent or clear glue dots 20. The matrix of glue dots 20 are an adhesive to secure a protective panel 25, 26 to one or both sides of the core 11.

[0056] If required a layer 30, 31 can be added to the outer side of the protective panels 25, 26. The layer 30,31 may be any material such as glass, timber, metal, paint, ink, photographic film or veneer which could be attached to the protective panel 25, 26 for various purposes, for example painting or veneering a surface to match the surroundings, or printing signs and images. The surfaces of the protective panels 25, 26 may also be left untreated, simply allowing the light to release for general illumination.

[0057] In a simpler configuration shown in Fig .1 , the core 11 has the matrix of glue dots 20 on one side 12 and a single protective panel 25 is attached to that side. The important feature of this panel is the matrix of glue dots 20 acting as a light transmitting, refracting and reflecting medium as well as an adhesive, firmly securing the protective panel 25 to the core 1 1 and protecting the core and dot matrix from damage, for example by scratching or moisture also providing a light transmitting surface that can be used without affecting light distribution from the core. The glue is of a light reflecting, refracting or transmitting material and a wide range of different glues are suitable for this application.

[0058] The matrix of adhesive dots may be applied in any convenient manner including by etching, painting, printing, screen printing or spraying or transfer from a film or even as part of a film or layer that is fixed to the core by the adhesive dots. Alternatively a laser can be used to etch the surface of the core 11 through the protective panel 25 to define the matrix of dots whist, at the same time, bonding the protective layer to the core.

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates a sign 80 comprising an elongated rectangular illumination panel 10 incorporating a core 1 1 and front and rear translucent acrylic faces 25, 26. The longitudinal and leading edges of the panel are sealed. The panel retainer 82 comprises an aluminium extrusion enclosing LED's (not visible). When the illumination panel 10 is inserted into the panel retainer 82, the LEDs abut the core 11 at the edge of the illumination panel 0. The extrusion also includes a battery or transformer to power the LEDs and illuminate the illumination panel 10. Printing can be included on either acrylic face 25 or 26. The extrusion includes holes 85a, 85b which line up with corresponding holes or in the illumination panel 10. Removable pins can be inserted into the holes to hold the illumination panel 10 in the retainer 82, irrespective of the orientation of the illumination panel. The retainer 82 includes tabs 83a, 83b for a retaining means such as a screw for affixing the retainer 82 to a surface in any configuration or orientation.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 the part of the panel retainer 82 receiving the illumination panel 10 is generally channel shaped, corresponding to the shape of the panel edge. It will be appreciated that the edge of the illumination panel 10 could alternatively be received into an L, U, V or even flat shaped part of the panel retainer 82.

[0061] Figure 4a illustrates a display comprising a square panel 90 incorporating a core 95 and front and rear translucent acrylic faces 93, 91 printed with display information. The panel retainer 97 comprises an aluminium extrusion. In cross section the extrusion includes two flanges 99a, 99b partly defining a recess into which a strip of LEDs 100 can be located. When the illumination panel 90 is inserted into the panel retainer 97, the LEDs abut the core 95 at the edge of the illumination panel 90.

[0062] Figure 4b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower edge of the panel 90 where it fits into the panel retainer 97 and rests on the two flanges 99a, 99b of the extrusion. The LED strip 100 is in electrical contact with a battery or transformer (not shown) to form a first circuit. Typically this circuit would be used as the prime light source giving general illumination to the panels.

[0063] A separate power track 03a, 103b runs along the upper surface of the two flanges 99a, 99b. When the illumination panel 90 is inserted in the panel retainer 97 the power track 103a, 103b can make electrical contact with contact pads 05a, 105b on the edge of the panel 90 to power illumination sources, such as LEDs, electronic control circuits or audio or electromechanical devices incorporated into the panel 90. Thus a second circuit is formed. The second circuit may include, for example, a printed circuit or other electrical features incorporated into the illumination panel or onto its surface. Typically the second circuit provides the means to add visual features such as colour, change in intensity, periodicity or other lighting effects, including electronic, audio and electromechanical devices.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower edge of a display according to the present invention having a panel retainer 110 which can retain two panels 1 2, 1 14. Each of the panels has contact pads 5a, 115b and 7a, 1 17b on its lower edge which can make electrical contact with corresponding contacts 119a, 119b and 121a, 121b, Each panel includes LEDs as illumination sources and the circuits can be connected to the same power source, or different power sources. The illumination of the two panels can be electrically controlled by the same or different control elements. Thus the lighting of the panels can be synchronised, alternated or otherwise controlled to provide a desired effect via each of the two circuits.

[0065] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a display according to the present invention comprising a horizontal, elongate panel retainer 130 in which are inserted five illumination panels 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 of various sizes and shapes. In contrast to the arrangement shown in Figure 5, all the panels are edge-to-edge instead of back to back, Each of the illumination panels 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 can be removed from the panel retainer 130 and replaced by an alternative panel and/or the sequence of panels 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 can be re-arranged.

[0066] A first circuit powers the prime lighting elements such as a strip of LEDs (not visible) along all or various sections of the panel retainer 130. Current to the circuit can be supplied by a power supply such as transformer or battery 142.

[0067] A second circuit may be provided to power lighting elements, electronic circuits, audio or electromechanical devices or printed electronic systems that may be located in or on the panels 134, 136, 138. These could include elements such as a moving armature 139, or lighting effects in selected panels 134, 138. The second circuit could be supplied by the existing power supply 142, or by a second power source 144. A control mechanism may be incorporated in the second circuit to control certain outcomes, or power may be delivered to the panels 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 which may contain their own control circuits and devices.

[0068] Figure 7 illustrates a display according to the present invention wherein the panel retainer 150 is a piece of extruded aluminium configured to display illumination panels horizontally and vertically on three levels. In this conformation of the panel retainer 150, four panels 152, 154, 156, 158 are located at the lowest level, with their lowest edge held within the panel retainer 150. Two panels 160, 162 are located on the middle level, one panel 160 held by its lower edge, the other panel 162 held by its lower edge and one side in the panel retainer 150. A single panel 164 is held suspended by an edge at the uppermost level. The panel retainer 150 includes a strip of LEDs along its entire length and the strip is powered by a power supply or battery 166 attached to the LED strip by wires 168.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 the part of the panel retainer 82 receiving the illumination panel 10 is generally channel shaped, corresponding to the shape of the panel edge. It will be appreciated that the edge of the illumination panel 10 could alternatively be received into an L, U, V or even flat shaped part of the panel retainer 82. [0070] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0071] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0072] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0073] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".